ECONOMY

U.N. agency bans lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft

The U.N. aviation agency prohibited shipments of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, following concerns by pilots and plane makers that they are a fire risk, according to Reuters.

Lithium metal batteries, which are used in watches, have already been banned on passenger planes globally. Lithium metal batteries, used in watches, are not rechargeable while lithium-ion batteries, used in cell phones and laptops, can be recharged.

The International Civil Aviation Organization's 36-state governing council said the prohibition would be in effect as of April 1, and would be maintained until a new fire-resistant packaging standard is designed to transport the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can still be transported on cargo planes.

The new packaging standard is expected by 2018, ICAO Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said in a statement.